Latest news with #PorterAirlines
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
Canadian Competition Bureau says Montreal-Trudeau airport should end its monopoly
Canada's Competition Bureau is recommending an end to Montreal-Trudeau airport's monopoly on international flights, but it won't be an easy feat. In a report released Thursday, the Bureau said a competitive market for air travel would deliver 'major benefits' for Canadians from lower prices to better customer experience. It pointed out that Air Canada and WestJet dominate the Canadian market. The report says opportunities exist in smaller secondary airports, which could be a better foothold for new market entrants if allowed to service international flights, instead of the current system that limits them to one major airport per region. For example, the Porter airline has a deal with the 10-gate Montreal Metropolitan Airport (formerly Saint-Hubert) on Montreal's South Shore limited to domestic flights. The airline said it would like to expand that to U.S. and sunny destination once the terminal is complete. But the federal government and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport have an agreement that it would be the only airport near Montreal with international flights. 'These restrictions prevent secondary airports from launching competitive services and limit their market impact. Removing these restrictions would enable secondary airports to respond to market opportunities. Passengers, workers, and airlines would then have more options,' the Bureau said in its report. But there is staunch opposition to the idea, including from Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier. She stressed it has always been clear that the Saint-Hubert terminal would be limited to Quebec and Canadian flights. 'The City is not in favour of international flights, such as flights to the south, which involve older, noisier aircrafts. Social acceptability is essential,' Fournier said in a statement to CTV News. 'The tranquility of our neighbourhoods is a priority for the municipal administration. It should be noted that the Porter terminal will be closed at night and that commercial night flights are prohibited.' Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) also opposes the Competition Bureau's recommendations, saying the current consolidated model is best. It said having two bases in the same region will increase costs for labour and mechanics, among other things. It would also increase government costs for border control, according to ADM. 'Adding a second international airport for passengers would reduce the carriers' customer base and increase their operating costs, while jeopardizing the gains made by all metropolitan players since the concentration of flights,' an ADM spokesperson said in an email. McGill professor John Gradek, who lectures on aviation management, said the report's recommendations are no done deal but are worth considering. The ADM is set to get a facelift and major expansion over the next few years, which could cost several billion dollars. Gradek says using the Saint-Hubert airport could be a way to save money. 'Why don't we look at it a group of airports that have multiple uses, and maybe we don't have to invest as much into ADM Trudeau because we've got capacity at Saint-Hubert,' he said. 'I think that's a very worthwhile exercise, because 10 gates at Saint-Hubert is a lot … To build 10 gates at Trudeau is billions. So, the price that we pay on a society perspective, yeah, you'll get noise.'
National Post
3 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Porter Airlines is North America's Best Regional Airline: Skytrax
Article content TORONTO — Porter Airlines was selected as Best Regional Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, for the second consecutive year. Article content The category includes airlines that primarily or exclusively fly within North America. Over 100 countries participate in the world's largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to select the award winners. This year's presentation ceremony was held at the Paris Air Show. Article content 'Porter has been redefining what it means to fly economy across North America. We're known for our elevated experience, such as no middle seats, free beer and wine served in glassware, complimentary premium snacks, plus free streaming WiFi for all passengers, however, it is our delivery of service that sets us apart, ' said Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines. 'We treat our passengers with dignity and respect, because that is how they deserve to be treated, and that is why we often hear that passengers 'love' Porter. This prestigious recognition is a reflection of how our entire team delivers award-winning service – something that cannot be replicated.' Article content The distinct service ethos that Porter has developed since 2006 is the foundation for this standard in a network that now stretches throughout North America. Article content In the past two years, the airline has: Article content Today, Porter has 64 routes, 37 destinations and serves every province in Canada. The airline now flies as far west as Victoria and as far east as St. John's in Canada. It is also making further headway into the U.S., with significant presence in major markets such as Florida, California and New York. Article content 'We are delighted to see Porter Airlines win the award as the Best Regional Airline in North America at the 2025 World Airline Awards. This serves to highlight the airline's distinct service culture, which sets it apart in a competitive regional landscape. This recognition reflects the appreciation travellers have for the comfort, presentation and personal touch Porter brings to its flights,' said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax. Article content Skytrax introduced the category for Best Regional Airline in North America in 2014. Porter is also one of only three carriers in North America to qualify for Skytrax's Official 4-Star Rating, recognizing airlines that deliver overall quality performance. Article content . Visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media: Article content
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
Logan Airport is starting to see decline in Canadian travelers
The drop in April marked the first year-over-year decline in Canadian visitors at the airport in 2025; the total is still up slightly for the year so far, when compared to the first four months of 2024. (May passenger traffic numbers are not yet public.) Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'That's obviously incredibly disappointing [but] with one month of data, I'm not ready to press the panic button,' Davey said in an interview earlier this month, after Massport published the April numbers. Advertisement National statistics released by the Canadian government last week indicate the trend most likely continued at Logan through May. Plane trips by Canadian residents from the US fell 24 percent in May, year over year, while Canadian vehicular trips from the US fell 38 percent. The backlash in Canada started early this year. Then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to vacation in their home country instead of going to the US, as President Trump imposed new tariffs on goods imported from Canada and talked repeatedly about the benefits of Canada becoming the '51st state.' Advertisement Current prime minister Mark Carney has strongly rebuffed the 51st state idea, though he indicated several days ago that he's hopeful about progress with the Trump administration on trade issues. In an attempt to counteract some of the Trump administration's hostility, Governor Maura Healey on Monday will be hosting in Boston several Canadian premiers and governors from Northeast states to talk about ways to maintain strong economic relations among the states and provinces. Much is at stake: Visiting Canadians spent an estimated $20 billion in the US last year. Amid the pushback in Canada to US leisure travel, JetBlue decided to cancel a new flight from Boston to Halifax it had planned, and Porter Airlines cut one of its Boston flights to Ottawa. Travel research firm Tourism Economics is predicting much bigger drops ahead for Greater Boston, with 657,000 Canadian visits expected to the region in 2025, a 20 percent decline from 2024, and a 24 percent drop from what was originally projected for 2025. David O'Donnell, a vice president with the Meet Boston tourism bureau, said his organization hasn't yet heard from local hotels about Canadian travel, but it expects a decline in international travelers to pick up in the summer. Many visitors who booked in the first half of the year would have faced cancellation fees if they opted not to come, but in the second half of the year, many of the bookings will reflect decisions made since Trump took office. Concerns about Canadian tourism prompted state Senator John Keenan of Quincy to file a budget amendment last month requiring the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism to report to the Legislature the feasibility of promoting Massachusetts as a destination for residents of countries showing a decline in travel to this state in 2025. The Senate adopted the language as part of its state budget proposal, but its fate now remains tied to House-Senate budget negotiations. Advertisement 'Clearly our Canadian numbers, like those at a lot of other [US] airports, are going in the wrong direction,' Davey said. 'I hope it's not a canary in the coal mine for us, but we're going to keep a close eye on it.' Jon Chesto can be reached at
CBC
11-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Porter Airlines to offer daily flights between Charlottetown and Toronto starting June 25
Social Sharing Porter Airlines says it will start offering daily flights between Charlottetown and Toronto by the end of June, a boost from its previous plan to fly the route four days a week. The change comes as the number of Canadians returning from air travel to the United States continued to drop for the fifth consecutive month. Andrew Pierce, Porter's vice-president of network planning and reporting, said the airline is increasing its service to Prince Edward Island and the broader Atlantic region as a direct response to the shifting travel trend. "P.E.I. is gaining a lot with some schedule change and some demand change this summer," Pierce told CBC News. "We are far larger in Atlantic Canada than we were before COVID. We think that this has always been a market for us, but it's just even bigger as we've expanded into the jet fleet." Canadian resident return trips to the U.S. by air fell 24.2 per cent in May 2025 compared with the same month in 2024, according to preliminary data released Tuesday by Statistics Canada. Many Canadians have been opting not to visit the U.S. in recent months for a number of reasons, such as increased scrutiny and risk of detention at the border, or as a way to boycott the U.S. given President Donald Trump's trade war threats and talk of annexing Canada. When Porter announced the Charlottetown-Toronto route earlier this year, it was initially scheduled for four flights per week. But Pierce said that after reviewing demand and making schedule adjustments, the airline now plans to offer daily service this summer. Beginning June 13, Porter will schedule four weekly round trips between Charlottetown and Toronto, using its 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. Flights will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Then, starting June 25, the route will increase to daily service. That will continue until Sept. 14. The new Toronto connection adds to Porter's existing year-round service between Charlottetown and Ottawa. That route will run twice daily through October, and then drop to once daily for the winter. At least, that's the plan for now, Pierce said. "We will evaluate the demand as it emerges through summer and late summer into fall, to see if we can expand further into the winter as well," he said.
National Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Porter Airlines celebrates inaugural flights from Hamilton to Calgary and Edmonton
Article content TORONTO — Porter Airlines is strengthening its Canadian network with the launch of non-stop service from Hamilton to Calgary and Edmonton, giving travellers more convenient options to travel between Alberta and Southern Ontario. Article content Operating on Porter's 132-seat Embraer E195-E2, the flights offer a two-by-two seating configuration with no middle seats. Porter's elevated economy experience also includes complimentary beer and wine in glassware, premium Canadian snacks, and free, fast WiFi. Article content Article content Travellers seeking an all-inclusive journey can select PorterReserve, which adds fresh, healthy meals, extra legroom, checked bags, and priority check-in and security. PorterClassic fares allow passengers to mix and match those benefits à la carte. Article content Porter also launched its Hamilton–Halifax and Hamilton–Vancouver routes on June 3. With flights now serving four key domestic destinations, Porter's growing Hamilton presence provides a new range of travel possibilities across the Golden Horseshoe. Article content Together with recent terminal enhancements at Hamilton International, Porter passengers benefit from greater flexibility and a more seamless travel experience throughout their journey. Article content Flights are available for booking at and through travel agents. Article content Quotes Article content 'With today's inaugural flights linking Hamilton with Calgary and Edmonton, we're continuing to strengthen Porter's presence across the region. These direct routes make it even easier for the Greater Hamilton community to explore Western Canada, and gives those visiting Southern Ontario convenient access to Ontario wineries and all that the Golden Horseshoe has to offer.' Article content – Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines Article content 'We're thrilled to celebrate the launch of Porter's non-stop service to Calgary and Edmonton from Hamilton International, in addition to the very successful launch of Halifax and Vancouver service last week. These new non-stop routes greatly enhance travel convenience for passengers to and from Hamilton and Southern Ontario, opening the door to greater commerce and tourism opportunities. We are excited for guests to experience our recent terminal enhancements, which offer travellers a much more seamless, comfortable, and better-connected journey from curb to gate.' Article content – Ed Ratuski, executive managing director, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Article content 'Porter's continued expansion into Calgary is a strong addition to YYC's growing domestic network, enhancing national connectivity and creating new opportunities for travellers in both Alberta and Southern Ontario. We're proud to support their growth and look forward to what's ahead.' Article content – Chris Dinsdale, president & CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority (known as Calgary Airports) Article content 'We are pleased to see Porter add a fourth non-stop destination from YEG with the addition of service to Hamilton. This new route is a win for travellers in both directions, bringing more choice and convenience to those flying between our two bustling regions. It is now easier to explore this vibrant Great Lakes port city and the many fantastic nearby destinations while also providing Ontario travellers seamless access to the Edmonton region's incredible experiences and attractions.' Article content About Porter Article content Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter's fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media contact:
